How does it work?

Chlorambucil is one of a group of anti-cancer medicines called 'alkylating agents'. Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. Chlorambucil acts by slowing this process down. It kills cancer cells by damaging the DNA (the genetic material within the cells) and prevents them from dividing. Chlorambucil is used in the treatment of a range cancers including cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma), cancer of the ovaries (ovarian cancer) and advanced breast cancer. Unfortunately, chlorambucil also affects normal, healthy cells and therefore it produces serious side-effects during long-term treatment. The most important side effect is in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Regular blood tests may therefore be needed to monitor the bone marrow and prevent the damage from becoming permanent. Chlorambucil can be taken by mouth as tablets. This medicine should be handled with care and it is advisable to take adequate contraceptive measures when either partner is receiving this medicine.

What is it used for?

Advanced breast cancer

Cancer of the lymph nodes

Cancer of the ovaries

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Warning!

This medicine should not be used when receiving radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer.

For use only under specialist medical supervision

Women who are pregnant should not handle this medicine.

Handle this medicine with care; avoid direct contact with bare skin

This medicine should not be used when receiving other chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Low levels of a type of white blood cell (neutrophils) in the blood (neutropenia)

Seizures

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The use of this medicine in pregnancy is not recommended, especially in the first trimester, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)

Damage to the liver (hepatotoxicity)

Fever (pyrexia)

Disorder of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness (peripheral neuropathy)

Nausea and vomiting

Mouth ulcers (oral ulcers)

Rash

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine decreases the body's ability to fight infections. Therefore the effectiveness of vaccines may be reduced and generalised infections may occur in individuals given live vaccines Individuals who are taking phenylbutazone may require a lower dose of chlorambucil

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